The World Health Organization’s vaccine experts recommend that countries consider routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls as young as 4, in order to address low vaccination coverage. The recommendation is put forward by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, which evaluates vaccine policies and advises countries.
Outlets report that the proposal is conditional: countries should adopt the approach if it is likely to improve uptake and help close gaps that remain below global targets. The coverage problem is emphasized across sources, with all noting that HPV vaccine uptake is lagging in many places. One report highlights that the step would involve starting at an age that is younger than in many existing national programs. The Irish outlet frames the guidance as a call for broader adoption, while other coverage focuses on the rationale of improving stubbornly low participation rates.
